Tenggara Backgrounder is a weekly briefing service combining insights and analysis by experts from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, as well as background information from The Jakarta Post journalists. Tenggara Backgrounder provides you exclusive insights into what’s happening behind the scenes along with insider scoops that are not published in the media.
Jokowi, Ma'ruf clinch victory: What's next?
Tenggara Backgrounder April 18
Quick counts conducted by several pollsters indicate that Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Ma’ruf Amin swept to victory in the 2019 general elections. Not only has the pair secured the presidential and vice-presidential seats, their coalition parties also reportedly managed to dominate the legislative elections, winning the majority of seats in the House of Representatives.
Debate behind repatriating IS sympathizers emerges
Tenggara Backgrounder April 12
With the fall of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, countries around the world are sharing a dilemma: Should they repatriate their citizens who joined the terrorist group and thus ensuring their rights of protection while risking the spread of radicalism at home?
A tailored approach for defense budget needed
Tenggara Backgrounder April 5
One of the interesting issues highlighted during the fourth presidential debate was Indonesia’s defense budget, or lack thereof. The two presidential candidates presented contrasting ideas: One argued that it should be increased, while the other argued that the current budget was sufficient. Defense, however, is a peculiar matter and each country must tailor its respective defense measures according to its own security needs.
Post survey, how far can candidates go?
Tenggara Backgrounder March 29
The latest surveys by national daily Kompas and think tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provide much valuable insight on the upcoming general election.
Preemployment card has potential, yet controversial
Tenggara Backgrounder March 22
Two months prior the general election, incumbent presidential candidate President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his running mate Ma’ruf Amin introduced three new social program cards, namely Kartu Indonesia Pintar untuk Perguruan Tinggi, Kartu Sembako Murah and Kartu Pra-Kerja to be implemented if they win the presidential election.
How Indonesia pulls off the largest one-day election
Tenggara Backgrounder March 15
In 2014, Indonesia’s general election was already billed as the largest one-day election in the world.